The Dolphins' exhibition season began badly. Second-round draft pick Raekwon McMillan, the front-runner to start at middle linebacker, hurt his right knee on Roberts' return.

After the game, coach Adam Gase said he did not yet know the severity of the injury. McMillan left the locker room on crutches.

"It's tough to see a young player go down," Gase said.

Miami backup safety Walt Aikens also left the game in the first quarter with a back injury.

The Falcons, who blew a 28-3 advantage against New England in last season's Super Bowl, this time let a 20-10 fourth-quarter lead get away. Undrafted rookie Damore'ea Stringfellow caught a 99-yard touchdown pass from David Fales to cap Miami's comeback, but neither is likely to make the roster.

First-teamers on both sides saw little or no action. New Miami quarterback Jay Cutler sat out, and backup Matt Moore played one series, which went three-and-out after confusion forced the Dolphins to call timeout before their first snap.

"That was my fault," Gase said with a wry smile. "I thought they were in different personnel and changed the call, and didn't give Matt enough time."

The Falcons were on their third quarterback before the first quarter ended. Ryan played one series and went 3 for 3, hitting three receivers for 32 yards.

His touchdown pass came on fourth and 1, when he faked a handoff to Freeman, who then circled out of the backfield to make the catch in the flat and score untouched.

Freeman and Ryan celebrated in the end zone with a flying shoulder bump and hug.

Miami's second-team offense drove 40 yards to the Falcons' 20 before Atlanta's first-teamers came out of the game. The Dolphins then settled for a field goal.

CROWD SUPPORT

Freeman, who grew up in Miami, said he had about 70 kids from his local youth program at the game, along with two dozen friends and relatives.